BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Newspaper wrap-up: Yahoo! reportedly plans reorganizationhttp://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/20/newspaper-wrap-up-yahoo-reportedly-plans-reorganization/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/20/newspaper-wrap-up-yahoo-reportedly-plans-reorganization/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/20/newspaper-wrap-up-yahoo-reportedly-plans-reorganization/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

MAJOR PAPERS:
  • The Wall Street Journal reported that, in an attempt to move past its takeover battle with Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT), Yahoo! Inc (NASDAQ: YHOO) is planning a reorganization. People familiar with the matter said executives are discussing a plan to centralize numerous product groups into a global-product organization. Details may be announced next week.
  • The Wall Street Journal also reported that an internal feud at Live Nation Inc (NYSE: LYV) over strategy may soon be resolved, as the concert promoter is reportedly negotiating the exit of chairman Michael Cohl.
OTHER PAPERS:
  • A recommendation by an Australian commission to open Rio Tinto Group's (NYSE: RTP) Pilbara railway to third parties could cost $30B if the idea is implemented, Rio contended and the Australian reported. The National Competition Commission, which advises Australian governments on infrastructure issues, has suggested that Fortescue Metals Group be given access to certain rail lines operated by Rio Tinto.
WEB SITES:
  • A joint investigation by CBC News and the Canadian Press found one-third of people shot by Taser International Inc's (NASDAQ: TASR) Tasers reportedly required some medical attention, Engadget reported.
  • TechCrunch confirmed that Joshua Schachter, the founder of delicious, will resign from Yahoo!. Sources believe the near-stalled development of the new version of delicious may have played a part in his resignation.

 

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]]>deliciousFortescue MetalsFortescueMetalsJoshua SchachterJoshuaSchachterLive NationLiveNationLYVMichael CohlMichaelCohlMicrosoftMSFTPilbarareorganizationRio TintoRioTintoRTPTaserTASRYahooYHOOLaurie Pasternack2008-06-20T08:05:00+00:00Closing Bell: US auto industry to the rescue, reallyhttp://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/24/closing-bell-us-auto-industry-to-the-rescue-really/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/24/closing-bell-us-auto-industry-to-the-rescue-really/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/24/closing-bell-us-auto-industry-to-the-rescue-really/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Today's good news really came from issues outside of economic numbers. Many are starting to think the end of the rate cut cycle is near because of inflation concerns, and even oil saw a nice drop of over $2.00 per barrel today. The Labor Department showed weekly jobless claims for unemployment benefits declined by 33,000 last week to 342,000, and that was slightly better than expectations. The Commerce Department gave really bad news though, as new home sales fell by 8.5% in March to an annual rate of 526,000 houses, the worst in more than fifteen years. Median home prices slid more than in almost 40 years. Below are the unofficial closing levels:
  • DJIA 12,843.09 (+79.87; +0.6%)
  • S&P500 1,388.58 ((+8.65, +0.6%))
  • NASDAQ 2,428.92 (+23.71; +0.99%)
  • 10YR-TBond 3.827% (+0.097%)
  • 52-WEEK LOWS
Apple, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) managed to climb up after opening soft as many noted there wasn't much sizzle to its guidance the stock after it blew past earnings yesterday. That didn't last and shares rose by more than 4% to $169.60 in the last minutes of the day.

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) was a major surprise after the company managed to post a profit rather than a loss. Maybe the restructuring and shrinking to profitability really can work.

NextWave Wireless (NASDAQ: WAVE) saw a huge surge today after the company said it plans to sell its wireless spectrum to focus on WiMAX and other wireless technology offerings coming dopwn the pipe. Shares were up a monster 35% at $6.48 in the last minutes of the day.

Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc. (NYSE: POT) blew out earnings and guided significantly higher based on strong demand and price hikes. Shares actually sold off though as the fast money traders took major profits on a "Sell the news" trade. Shares were down over 4% at $195.50 in the final minutes of the day.

TASER International (NASDAQ: TASR) saw a hard day after the company disappointed with earnings today. Shares were down some 20% at $7.52 in the last minutes of the day.

True Religion Apparel Inc. (NASDAQ: TRLG) saw a gain of more than 5% to $16.75 in the last minutes of the day after Morgan Keegan raised its rating to an Outperform.

Jon Ogg is a producer and editor of weekly "10 Stocks Under $10" newsletter for 247WallSt.com.

 

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]]>nextwave wirelessNextwaveWirelesstrue religion apparelTrueReligionApparelWAVEJon Ogg2008-04-24T16:31:00+00:00Earnings highlights: Coca-Cola, Deere, Abercrombie, Baidu, Playboy, Taser and othershttp://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/16/earnings-highlights-coca-cola-deere-abercrombie-baidu-playb/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/16/earnings-highlights-coca-cola-deere-abercrombie-baidu-playb/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/16/earnings-highlights-coca-cola-deere-abercrombie-baidu-playb/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Here are a few highlights of this past week's earnings coverage from BloggingStocks:

Upcoming results to watch for include Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT), Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ), OfficeMax (NYSE: OMX), Whole Foods (NASDAQ: WFMI), MGM Mirage (NYSE: MGM), JCPenney (NYSE: JCP), and Safeway (NYSE: SWY).

Visit AOL Money & Finance for more earnings coverage.

 

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]]>AbercrombieANFBaidu.comBIDUCNACoca-ColaDEDean FoodsDeereDFearningsearnings reportsGoodyeargrain pricesGTHPHPQInsightJCPJCPenneyKOLowesLTRMarsh and McLennanMGMMMCOfficeMaxOMXPLAPlayboyQwestSafewaySierra WirelessSWYTaserTASRVCVisteonWal-MartWaste ManagementWFMIWhole FoodsWMIWYNWyndhamZOLTZoltekTrey Thoelcke2008-02-16T15:40:00+00:00Before the bell: MAR, UBS, BA, TASR, LIZ, BAX, HPQhttp://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/14/before-the-bell-mar-ubs-ba-tasr-liz-bax-hpq/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/14/before-the-bell-mar-ubs-ba-tasr-liz-bax-hpq/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/14/before-the-bell-mar-ubs-ba-tasr-liz-bax-hpq/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Marriott International Inc. (NYSE: MAR) fourth quarter earnings fell 20% to $176 million or 46 cents per share, as it took a hit from the closure of its business making cleaner burning coal for tax credits. The company posted revenue of $4.1 billion. Excluding the loss from the discontinued operations, Marriott says it earned $236 million, or 62 cents per share, beating the 62 cents expected by analysts.

UBS AG (NYSE: UBS) on Thursday posted a fourth-quarter net loss -- the first since 1997 -- of $11.28 billion, and a loss for the entire year, due to investments in U.S. subprime mortgages. It said it expected more problems in 2008. The results were inline with previous guidance. UBS shares are down some 5.75% in premarket trading.

Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA) said Thursday it created a joint venture to be formed by June with Tata Industries Ltd. to make more than $500 million in aerospace components.

Taser International Inc. (NASDAQ: TASR) reported that fourth-quarter earnings doubled, reaching $4.7 million, or 7 cents a share, on 61% higher revenue. Sales rose to $31 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected a profit of 7 cents per share on $29 million of sales.

Liz Claiborne Inc. (NYSE: LIZ) announced that it has entered into an agreement with a group of investors to sell substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the Ellen Tracy brand for a purchase price consisting of a $27.3 million.

A plant in China that hasn't been inspected by the U.S. FDA, may be producing flawed ingredients for the big-selling Baxter International (NYSE: BAX) blood thinner Heparin and may be linked to four deaths.

Hewlett-Packard Co. (NYSE: HPQ) reached a financial settlement with The New York Times and journalists from Business Week it spied on during its scandalous boardroom surveillance scheme.

 

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]]>babaxhpqinthenewslizmartasrubsMelly Alazraki2008-02-14T08:40:00+00:00What's playing on your Taser MP3 holster? 'Shock the Monkey'?http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/08/whats-playing-on-your-taser-mp3-holster-shock-the-monkey/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/08/whats-playing-on-your-taser-mp3-holster-shock-the-monkey/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/08/whats-playing-on-your-taser-mp3-holster-shock-the-monkey/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

News out of TASER International Inc. (NASDAQ: TASR) has been ... how shall I put it ... somewhat odd as of late.

First, a few days ago, we heard of Taser Parties. Indeed, like Tupperware Parties, Taser Parties have women gather in someone's home. They get a demo of the recent TASER C2 and even try it out for themselves (on targets, not each other). While this isn't exactly a TASER official marketing strategy, rather a saleswoman's vision, it may not be a stretch to see the stun gun maker endorsing this as one sales tactic out of many.

In fact, TASER has already adopted the concept for its booth at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, where Taser Parties were held. TASER didn't just throw "parties" at CES, but brought Playboy Playmates to ... ahem ... sign autographs.

But wait, that's not all in the odd tidbits realm. At CES, TASER also showcased designer colors for the TASER C2 in addition to the classic black model: fire-engine red, blue, silver or pink. Pink, by the way, in some sort of a "girl power" thing is actually the company's biggest seller. The company also unveiled a new Taser holster in leopard print with a built-in 1 GB MP3 player (preloaded with songs from AC/DC, Shock G, Lightning Bolt and S.T.U.N. ... not really). The reason for the MP3 player, you may ask? "You're more likely to carry it, and it will be there when you need it," VP of communications Steve Tuttle said. How's that for marketing?

The latest moves aren't surprising. As Taser's sales across police and law enforcement agencies around the world -- 43 countries and more than 12,500 police agencies in North America -- increase, the company is trying to shift some focus to the civilian sector for future growth.

I have such ambivalent feelings about the company; it's hard not to with all the bad publicity and recent events such as the incident at the Vancouver International Airport. Having said that, there is still much room to grow in the non-civilian market and as for the C2, which is legal in most U.S. states, the civilian market is in its early stages. I therefore do like the stock and the story even more today.

The stock has increased in value over 63% in the past 52-weeks and was gaining over 4% earlier today. However, the shares gains have narrowed with the market's slump and TASR closed up 1.3% to $13.28 and

 

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]]>cesplayboy playmatesPlayboyPlaymatessecuritysecurity productsSecurityProductsself-defensestun gunsStunGunstasertasrMelly Alazraki2008-01-08T16:52:00+00:00Is it any surprise that consumer sentiment is the worst in two years?http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/11/21/is-it-any-surprise-that-consumer-sentiment-is-the-worst-in-two-y/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/11/21/is-it-any-surprise-that-consumer-sentiment-is-the-worst-in-two-y/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/11/21/is-it-any-surprise-that-consumer-sentiment-is-the-worst-in-two-y/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Shopping mallConsumer sentiment fell to its lowest level in two years in November, according to the Reuters/University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers.

The figure was 76.1, above the 75 expected by economists but below October's 80.9 level, according to a Reuters report. What a shock.

This holiday season, many consumers aren't feeling that thankful for the worst housing market in 16 years -- according to the National Association of Realtors, housing prices fell in one-third of U.S. cities. Gas prices reaching $4 per gallon is further spooking people already nervous about the volatile stock market and the weak dollar. Oh, let's not forget about the prospect of $100 oil.

"We're facing extreme price increases in energy, and it's clear the consumer is becoming more aware of the pressures being put on them,'' Lindsey Piegza, an analyst at FTN Financial, told Bloomberg News. "I don't expect a collapse in spending, but it will be very weak for the holidays.''

Economists surveyed by Bloomberg are expecting consumer spending to grow at a 2% pace in the final three months of the year, after rising 3% in the third quarter. Shares of Wal-Mart Stores (NYSE: WMT), Target (NYSE: TGT) and Kohls (NYSE: KSS), along with the continuing weakness of the financial stocks and airlines pushed the S&P 500 Index into negative territory for the year.

To be sure, there are some bright spots.

As Reuters notes, the number of U.S. workers applying for jobless benefits fell by 11,000 last week, which was in-line with expectations. Meanwhile, first-time claims for unemployment benefits fell in the week ended Nov. 17 to a seasonally adjusted 330,000 from an upwardly revised 341,000 the prior week, the news service says.

But for now, many people see the glass as half-empty rather than half-full. As one CNBC pundit put it: "fear is kicking our butt."

 

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]]>consumer sentimentConsumerSentimenteconomyfeaturedholiday spendingHolidaySpendinghousing marketHousingMarketkssoil pricesOilPricesstock marketStockMarketsubprime mortgagesSubprimeMortgagestgtwmtJonathan Berr2007-11-21T12:36:00+00:00Story stocks or fairy tales?, beware hidden mortgage fees & top givers of 2007 - Today in Money 11/19http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/11/19/s/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/11/19/s/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/11/19/s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

In the News:
· Gas Prices Near All-Time High as They Rise 13 Cents Over Past 2 Weeks

Story Stocks or Fairy Tales?
Some companies' growth potential causes investors to go weak in the knees, as they did for Crocs. Here are some signs of a hot prospect that's headed for an unhappy ending. As investors look for the next Google or Apple they look to story stocks like Crocs along with Jones Soda, First Solar, Krispy Kreme, Taser, Sirius & XM, Under Armour and more in hopes of making a killing in the stock market.
Story Stocks or Fairy Tales?
Also: Are These 11 Stocks 'The Next Big Thing'?


Hidden Mortgage Fees
As foreclosures continue to plague the subprime market, a little-known industry practice is further hurting homeowners who are already having trouble keeping up with their ballooning mortgage payments: excessive and questionable fees.
Struggling Homeowners Faced With Hidden Mortgage Fees | SmartMoney.com


The Greatest Givers
BusinessWeek's fifth annual ranking of the top U.S. philantropists include 16 people who gave over $100 million this year. The top giver this year is billionaire investor Warren Buffett who has committed $31 billion to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The Greatest Givers
In Pictures: 50 Most Generous Philanthropists
Also: Philanthropy Hall of Fame which includes Paul Newman, Bob Geldof, Bono, Oprah, Jimmy Carter, Lance Armstrong and more.


Can Disney Keep Its $4 Billion Princess Franchise Growing?
Under pressure to keep its $4 billion Princess franchise growing, Disney is hoping to hook even younger girls and their moms on the craze with a new range of princess products aimed at newborns.
Disney Reaches to the Crib To Extend Princess Magic - WSJ.com


Do You Have a Will?
Three-quarters of Americans say everyone should have a will, but 57% of Americans don't have one. Parents of kids younger than 18 make an even poorer showing: 67 percent don't have a will.
Americans' words and deeds about wills at odds - Bankrate.com What You Need to Know About Wills 8 Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid

 

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]]>Allan Halprin2007-11-19T09:09:00+00:00Option update 10-4-07: YUM! Brands (YUM) implied volatility suggests flat EPS riskhttp://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/04/option-update-10-4-07-yum-brands-yum-implied-volatility-sugg/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/04/option-update-10-4-07-yum-brands-yum-implied-volatility-sugg/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/04/option-update-10-4-07-yum-brands-yum-implied-volatility-sugg/#commentsFiled under: , ,

YUM! Brands (NYSE: YUM) implied volatility suggests flat earnings per share (EPS) risk:


YUM will report EPS after the close on October 8th. CIBC says "YUM's solid global portfolio leaves it on-track to meet annual guidance. We also look for a div and potential buyback increase in 2H07." YUM July option implied volatility of 34 is above its 26-week average of 27 and below a level prior to its previous EPS release in July according to Track Data, suggesting flat near term EPS risk.

Taser (NASDAQ: TASR) 81cents to $17.39 on more unconfirmed rumors of contracts wins:

Recent unconfirmed chatter is circulating about a French government win. TASR October option implied volatility of 64 is above its 26-week average of 55 according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk.

Daily options update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com.

 

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]]>KFCoption implied volatilityOptionImpliedVolatilityTaco BellTacoBellunconfirmed rumorsUnconfirmedRumorsWingsPaul Foster2007-10-04T16:13:00+00:00Analyst upgrades 8-30-07: ATE, BIG, MOT and TASRhttp://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/30/analyst-upgrades-8-30-07-ate-big-mot-and-tasr/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/30/analyst-upgrades-8-30-07-ate-big-mot-and-tasr/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/30/analyst-upgrades-8-30-07-ate-big-mot-and-tasr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

MOST NOTEWORTHY: Taser Int'l (TASR), Motorola (MOT), Advantest (ATE), STMicroelectronics (STM) and Joy Global (JOYG) were today's noteworthy upgrades:
  • Merriman upgraded shares of Taser Int'l (NASDAQ: TASR) to Buy from Hold on valuation following the 25% decline in price since late July, accelerating law enforcement demand and upside potential from the recently launched personal TASER C2.
  • Lehman upgraded shares of Motorola (NYSE: MOT) to Overweight from Equal Weight as they believe increased production and opex progress in Q3 could signal a turnaround at the company's phone unit.
  • Jefferies upgraded Advantest (NYSE: ATE) to Hold from Underperform on valuation.
  • STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) was upgraded to Market Perform from Underperform on valuation at Bernstein.
  • Stifel upgraded shares of Joy Global (NASDAQ: JOYG) to Buy from Hold following the in line Q3 report as they believe bad news is reflected in valuation...
OTHER UPGRADES:
  • Idacorp (NYSE: IDA) was upgraded to Market Perform from Under Perform at Wachovia.
  • Wedbush raised Big Lots (NYSE: BIG) to Buy from Hold, with a $35 target, and DSW Inc. (NYSE: DSW) to Hold from Sell, with a $29 target.
  • LabCorp (NYSE: LH) was upgraded to Outperform from Neutral at Cowen.
Analyst summaries provided by TheFlyOnTheWall.com (subscription required).

 

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]]>advantestanalystatebigbig lotsBigLotsdswidaidacorpjoyjoyglabcorplhmotmotorolaratingstmstmicroelectronicstasertasrtdkupgradeKevin Shult2007-08-30T10:45:00+00:00Before the bell: YHOO, AAPL, GE, GM, SHLDhttp://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/30/before-the-bell-yhoo-aapl-ge-gm-shld/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/30/before-the-bell-yhoo-aapl-ge-gm-shld/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/30/before-the-bell-yhoo-aapl-ge-gm-shld/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Before the bell: Futures decline ahead of GDP data, investors uncertain about Fed

Yahoo Inc's (NASDAQ: YHOO) top sales executive, Gregory Coleman, is leaving the company in the latest reorganization move by President Susan Decker. The reorganization is aimed to merge sales into a broader division working with customers and partners. paidContent.org got their hands on the internal memo President Decker sent out. Some interesting points there.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Volkswagen AG are discussing the possibility of building an "iCar" that would feature products by Apple.

General Electric (NYSE: GE) said it is considering pulling out of the consumer lending business in Japan due to tighter regulation that has crimped profits. The matter isn't decided yet, though.

General Motors (NYSE: GM) of Canada will cut about 1,000 jobs, equivalent to one shift of production at a truck plant in Oshawa, Ontario, in January as pick-up sales continue to slump. The plant produces the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pick-up trucks. The plant employs more than 3,000 workers.

Sears Holdings (NASDAQ: SHLD) posted a second-quarter profit that fell 40% from a year ago to $176 million, or $1.17 a share, but beat analyst forecast of $1.13 a share. The company blamed the profit fall on an increased level of discounting in the period. Revenue for the period declined to $12.2 billion. Same-store sales, declined 4.1% in the quarter -- fell 4.3% at Sears and dropped 3.8% at Kmart stores. SHLD shares are down 4.5% in premarket trading (8:12 a.m.).

Taser (NASDAQ: TASR) shares are up 2.94% in premarket trading (8:18 a.m.) after Merriman Curhan Ford upgraded the stock from Neutral to Buy.

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) yesterday said it will buy a small Chicago-based IM technology company.

 

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]]>aaplgegmmsftshldtasryhooMelly Alazraki2007-08-30T08:37:00+00:00Futuristic technology plays: Trap 'em and zap 'emhttp://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/26/furturistic-technology-plays-trap-em-and-zap-em/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/26/furturistic-technology-plays-trap-em-and-zap-em/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/26/furturistic-technology-plays-trap-em-and-zap-em/#commentsFiled under: , ,

robotReal world, futuristic technology plays can be had in the recently declared working partnership between Taser International (NASDAQ: TASR) and iRobot Corp. (NASDAQ: IRBT). The team is developing machines and equipment which could revolutionize the worlds of the military, security and law enforcement, all the while seeking to take real people (in their own bodies) out of harms way.

By forming this working alliance, Taser and iRobot have accomplished two very significant things. First, iRobot has deeply jammed their foot in the door of a market sector which will only grow larger. By taking advantage of the position already secured by Taser, iRobot has eliminated years of marketing work which would have been required to gain for themselves the same position. Second, by teaming with iRobot, Taser has fulfilled a grand desire to enhance product mobility and they have done it without the time and massive capital investment which would have been required to accomplish it alone.

If you're looking for a long-term technology play with relative safety, I'd say this working alliance provides a couple good ones and remember, you're hearing that from the biggest bear on the block. ;)

 

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]]>engadgetIRBTirobotlaw enforcementLawEnforcementmilitaryrobotsecuritytaserTSRGary E. Sattler2007-08-26T17:45:00+00:00TASER provides shocking new details of its new revolutionary shotgunhttp://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/07/12/taser-provides-shocking-new-details-of-its-new-revolutionary-sho/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/07/12/taser-provides-shocking-new-details-of-its-new-revolutionary-sho/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/07/12/taser-provides-shocking-new-details-of-its-new-revolutionary-sho/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

TASER International (NASDAQ: TASR) is about to put its XREP Extended Range Electro-Muscular Projectile shotgun shells into field testing, according to Engadget. The standard 12-gauge shells have three fins on its end, similar to an arrow, and have four barbs at its tip. Upon firing, the shell, moving at approximately 300 feet per second, hits the target with same amount of juice the handheld X26 provides, but now at distance of up to 100 feet away.

Victims who so foolishly attempt to grab the projectile to pull it off will experience a wonderful sensation of what Taser called "overpowering Neuro Muscular Incapacitation" for 20 seconds. Ouch.

Despite being down 52 cents today, shares of TASER have doubled since April. Expectations for TASER to expand its product line in France have given shares a significant catalyst. Merriman Curhan Ford & Co believes investors should be more careful about choosing their entry point going forward, but still sees upside opportunities in the stock.

Field testing is expected to last 6-12 months before TASER comes out with a full production release. I, along with others who enjoy a good laugh, can not wait to see new footage of analysts who want to get shot by the new Taser product so they can fully understand the power of the non-lethal weapon.

 

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]]>criminalengadgetnon-lethalshotguntasertasrx26xrepKevin Shult2007-07-12T16:05:00+00:00Taser and iRobot form alliance -- T-1000 looming?http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/28/taser-and-irobot-form-alliance-t-1000-looming/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/28/taser-and-irobot-form-alliance-t-1000-looming/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/28/taser-and-irobot-form-alliance-t-1000-looming/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In what may be the coolest bit of news to hit the wires all week, Taser International Inc (NASDAQ: TASR) and iRobot Corporation (NASDAQ: IRBT) have announced their intentions to form an alliance to create an army of T-1000 robots. Okay, not exactly. The actual announcement read:

"Under the terms of this alliance the two companies will work collaboratively to develop a new robotic capability utilizing TASER technologies. This combination of capabilities will allow law enforcement, federal, and military users to employ TASER technology from an iRobot platform at a safe distance to engage, incapacitate, and control dangerous suspects without exposing those personnel, the suspect, or bystanders to unnecessary risks, the companies said.

As the first step in this alliance, the two companies have integrated TASER X26 electronic control device technology into the iRobot PackBot Explorer."

This is still exciting news for both Taser and iRobot. It signals that both companies are aware of the limited markets for their niche products -- the Taser stun gun and the Roomba -- and are actively seeking to broaden their scope. How successful will this alliance be? Only after we see a prototype of the iRobot PackBot Explorer with Taser x26 electronic control device technology will we know for sure. But hopefully not as successful as the T-1000.

 

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]]>allianceirbtirobotroombat-1000tasertasrEric Buscemi2007-06-28T13:48:00+00:00New highs for CROX, JOSB and TASRhttp://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/12/new-highs-for-crox-josb-and-tasr/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/12/new-highs-for-crox-josb-and-tasr/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/12/new-highs-for-crox-josb-and-tasr/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The market is down today as investors weigh the consequences of a rising interest rates, but not all stocks are getting taking a hit. As always, even in down markets some stocks are going to flourish, and today three of the stocks that have been able to look a down market in the face while climbing to new highs are Crocs, Inc. (NASDAQ: CROX), Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc. (NASDAQ: JOSB) and TASER International, Inc. (NASDAQ: TASR).

Let's take a quick look at why each of these stocks have been able to trade up to new highs:

1) Crocs, Inc. (NASDAQ: CROX) finished the day up 0.2% to $91.18 up $0.21 after setting a new 52 week high earlier in the session up at $93.58. Here is a stock that has been on fire lately, and was pushed to a new high today after positive comments on the stock from Jim Cramer. As Brent Archer pointed out earlier today, Cramer just plain loves Crocs. Citing that the recent consumer frenzy surrounding CROX products has led to inventory problems to to the point where stores just can't seem to keep the shoes on the shelves. If you think that CROX is expensive now with shares up over $90 a share, Cramer thinks that this is the beginning of a much larger move to the upside once analysts start taking notice and initiating coverage on this stock. It seems like everyone is talking about Crocs these days and don't be surprised to see more upside out of this one.

2) Jos. A. Bank Clothiers was able to trade up to a new 52 week high today of $46.15 and ended up finishing out the session at $43.99 up 0.3% on the day after strong earnings and a broker upgrade. Last night after the market close JOSB posted its first quarter earnings and the company showed a strong 42% jump in profit to $8.4 million. At this level, the stock earned 45 cents per share which easily beat the 41 cents per share that analysts had been expecting. Following last nights strong showing, the stock also benefited today from an upgrade by First Albany which lifted their rating on the stock from a "sell" to a "neutral".

3) Taser International continues to benefit from speculation that newly elected President Nikolas Sarkozy is going to outfit the French police with Tasers. Sarkozy won the recent presidential elections last month, and should his party, the Union for a Popular Movement, put on a good showing in the final round of legislative elections on the 17th they will have the largest majority since 1958. With speculation that this is indeed going to occur, shares of TASR have been on fire lately. The stock rose 9.1% yesterday and tacked on another 1.3% today to $12.05. Earlier in the day the stock set a new 52 week high of $12.50.

How important are the upcoming elections to Taser? If Sarkozy is able to follow through on his plans to purchase Taser's for every police officer in France, worldwide sales would climb to $300 million. Compare that with the current estimates of $88 million during 2007 and $109 million in 2008. Yes, I think it's safe to say this would be a huge deal for Taser.

Michael Fowlkes has worked as a stock trader for seven years and spent the last two years working as an analyst for the online investment advisory service Investor'sObserver.

 

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]]>Jim CramerJimCramerMichael Fowlkes2007-06-12T18:02:00+00:00Taser: A 'stunning' tradehttp://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/05/taser-a-stunning-trade/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/05/taser-a-stunning-trade/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/05/taser-a-stunning-trade/#commentsFiled under: ,

"Taser International (NASDAQ: TASR), a maker of stun-guns used for police work, corrections, and personal defense" is a new trade from technician Melvin Pasternak in The Swing Trader.

On a split-adjusted basis, the stock peaked in the mid-$30s in 2004. The advisor notes, "Dogged by bad publicity about its guns, it declined to just above $5 per share in October 2005." The shares then rallied to the $11 range in the spring of 2006, he points out, and have been trading in a broad range between $6 and $10 since that time.

However, in late May, he notes, TASR "blew through important resistance just above $10 on volume about double normal weekly levels." In addition, he says, "This past week, the stock added to its gains and probed key resistance just above $11 before retreating." Volume, he adds, was again very strong.

For the more technically-inclined, the advisor explains that the stock has broken a relative strength downtrend line, and that line is "convincingly above its own moving average for the first time in many months." In addition, he notes that the stock's MACD is on a buy signal. With the shares breaking out of a multi-month base, he believes they are posted to move higher.

To determine the possible upside, the tecnician looks at the stock's base, which he notes it $3 in height. He says, "According to the measuring principle, the stock should now reach about $13 per share."

For more stock picks from the leading financial newsletter advisors, visit Steven Halpern's free daily website, TheStockAdvisors.com.

 

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]]>melvin pasternaksecurity and defense stockssteven halpernstun gun stockstasertaser internationalTaserInternationaltasrthe streetauthority swing traderthestockadvisors.comSteven Halpern2007-06-05T13:53:00+00:00Cramer heads to France for stock pickshttp://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/02/cramer-heads-to-france-for-stock-picks/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/02/cramer-heads-to-france-for-stock-picks/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/02/cramer-heads-to-france-for-stock-picks/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Cramer on tonight's MAD MONEY said the best market in the world right now is France because of Sarkozy who is expected to win the election there. Cramer has two picks: 1) CGG Veritas (NYSE/ADR: CGV); 2) Veolia Environment SA (NYSE/ADR: VE).

CGG Veritas is into geophysical services for mapping the ocean and land is its winning hand for oil and gas drillers and surveyors. The company the #3 map maker and #2 in offshore behind Schlumberger. It has a dupoly in input/output and the Atlantic being opened up in the US may offer a huge opportunity if and when it gets opened up for drilling.


Veolia Environment is a water play and waste management that transports water and converts waste water. Sarkozy wants to privatize agencies because companies can do a better job than the socialist managers. They are the #2 waste management company on earth. This one even does recycling and waste to energy conversion, plus energy management services. It has 30 Billion in carbon credits on its books.

After Cramer was finished with these, Cramer said that Sarkozy has said he would like to buy a taser for every police officer in France and that could be a huge win for Taser International (NASDAQ: TASR). TASR just jumped 6% on this in after-hours trading.

I would normally say that these two picks based solely on the election in France is bunk, but the recent elections that are coming up in France have Nicolas Sarkozy favored to win and he's a true capitalist with capitalist reforms coming. My other reason for agreeing with him is that the head of the European Central Bank is Jean-Claude Trichet. BUT.... Regardless of if the country is really going to be the best, you still have to believe in the companies and sectors that these are in. Otherwise you are might as well just look at the iShares MSCI France (AMEX: EWQ) and ask your broker if you can hedge the currency position since the dollar has lost so much ground.

Jon Ogg can be reached at jonogg@247wallst.com; he does not own securities in the companies he covers.

 

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]]>TASR, VE, CGVTasr,Ve,CgvJon Ogg2007-05-02T19:45:00+00:00Analyst upgrades 4-27-07: CMCSA, MNST, MSFT, SIRI and XMSRhttp://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/04/27/analyst-upgrades-4-27-07-cmcsa-mnst-msft-siri-and-xmsr/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/04/27/analyst-upgrades-4-27-07-cmcsa-mnst-msft-siri-and-xmsr/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/04/27/analyst-upgrades-4-27-07-cmcsa-mnst-msft-siri-and-xmsr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

MOST NOTEWORTHY: Comcast Corp (CMCSA), Monster Worldwide (MNST), Microsoft (MSFT), XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc (XMSR) and Sirius Satellite Radio (SIRI) were today's most noteworthy upgrades:
  • Comcast Corp (NASDAQ: CMCSA) was upgraded at AG Edwards to Buy from Hold with a $33 objective, citing valuation.
  • Gabelli raised Monster Worldwide's (NASDAQ: MNST) rating to Buy from Hold and sees an attractive long-term opportunity as near-term margin pressure issues are providing an opportunity.
  • CIBC upgraded shares of Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) to Sector Performer from Underperformer to reflect solid Q3 results and an improved 2008 outlook. Citigroup raised Microsoft's rating to Buy from Hold after the quarterly report.
OTHER UPGRADES:
  • KLA-Tencor Corp (NASDAQ: KLAC) was raised to Neutral from Underperform at First Albany following positive Q3 results.
  • RBC Capital raised Baidu.com, Inc (NASDAQ: BIDU) to Outperform from Sector Perform citing guidance that indicated a reacceleration of underlying fundamentals.
Analyst summaries provided by TheFlyOnTheWall.com (subscription required).

 

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]]>alaskaalskanalystbaidubiducmcsacomcsatkla tencorklacKlaTencormicrosoftmnstmonstermsftnetgearntgrratingsirisiriustasertasrtheflyonthewall.comupgradexm satelliteXmSatellitexmsrKevin Shult2007-04-27T10:59:00+00:00Taser's new consumer stun gun spooks policehttp://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/04/20/tasers-new-consumer-stun-gun-barred-from-police-union-conventio/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/04/20/tasers-new-consumer-stun-gun-barred-from-police-union-conventio/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/04/20/tasers-new-consumer-stun-gun-barred-from-police-union-conventio/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

TASER International Inc. (NASDAQ: TASR) is no stranger to controversies. These days, police say it is concerned with Taser's latest consumer weapon, a $299 metallic pink, palm-sized C2 stun gun (no worries, it does come in three other cool colors including Black Pearl as well).

To recap, last time I wrote about Taser was in late February, when Taser reported fourth-quarter earnings that showed strong sales that boosted profits. Shares went up 5.5% consequently. Then Taser announced preliminary first quarter results that fell below analysts' expectations due to delayed orders. While investors punished the stock, taking it down 5%, some analysts remained positive on the company's base sales.

As for the C2, police say the consumer weapon is bound to fall into criminal hands and worry that officers will be injured by users who lack proper training. The Fraternal Order of Police, the largest law-enforcement labor union, has barred Taser from exhibiting the new C2 weapon or any other at its convention in August.

Seven states have already outlawed consumer use of stunning devices and three other states, including Texas are considering bills for bans or regulation of ownership.

Taser isn't worried. First, its main market is law-enforcement agencies rather than consumers. Second, there's always concern around a new product, the company says.

After a nice 5% run the past ten days, shares closed down 2.56% at $8.37 on Thursday. The stock remains of speculative nature. While many wrongful deaths lawsuits have been dismissed, lowering its risk, Taser does have rocky fundamentals. I still definitely like the long-term prospects, but it's only for those who can stomach it.

As a last comment, and in light of the Virginia Tech shooting, something eludes me here (probably because I'm Canadian). How is it that stunning devices seem to be more regulated than guns in the U.S.? Gun control - no, but stunning devices ban - yes?

 

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]]>C2Fraternal order of policeFraternalOrderOfPolicestun gunStunGuntasertaser internationalTaserInternationaltasrMelly Alazraki2007-04-20T09:42:00+00:00Taser zaps short-sellershttp://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/02/21/taser-zaps-short-sellers/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/02/21/taser-zaps-short-sellers/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/02/21/taser-zaps-short-sellers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Taser International Inc. (NASDAQ:TASR) today reported strong fourth quarter results, squeezing the short-sellers that have made the stun-gun maker one of their favorite targets.

Net income was $2.3 million, or 4 cents per share, compared with $179,126, or break even, a year earlier, the company said. Revenue soared 53 percent to $19.3 million. Analysts were expecting profit of 4 cents on revenue of $19.2 million, according to Thomson Financial My colleague Melly Alazraki gives a good overview of the history of this company's history here.

Taser has long been a favorite of short-sellers who hold about 11 million shares out of a float of 56.4 milllon, according to Bloomberg News. Shares of the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company, which are down about 17 percent over the past year, were up about 4 percent in trading today.

The company continues to attract law enforcement customers and is moving into the consumer market and introduced the C2 "personal protector" at last month's consumer electronics show in Las Vegas which comes in vibrant colors including pink. It begins shipping in the second quarter.

Also check out some other earnings reports that we're following, and let us know what you're expecting.

 

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]]>C2consumer electronicsConsumerElectronicsshort sellersShortSellersstun gunsStunGunstaserJonathan Berr2007-02-21T16:50:00+00:00Taser stuns the markethttp://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/02/21/taser-stuns-investors/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/02/21/taser-stuns-investors/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/02/21/taser-stuns-investors/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Taser International Inc. (NASDAQ:TASR) shares are up over 5.5% today on heavy volume after the company reported strong sales in the fourth-quarter that boosted profits for the stun gun maker.

Despite many controversies regarding its products, Taser has managed to grow profits for four straight quarters. For the fourth-quarter, net income grew to $2.3 million, or 4 cents per share, from $179,126, or breakeven per share, in the year-ago period. Revenue rose 53% to $19.3 million from $12.6 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial expected 4 cents earnings per share on revenue of $19.2 million.

While the market is happy with the results, Taser is far away from the highs it reached in 2004 when safety concerns over the use of the TASERs and a SEC investigation hit the company The government ordered a two-year study by the Department of Justice (yet to be completed) and Amnesty International called the stun guns inhumane. The SEC also investigated the company's accounting practices back then. The investigation ended in 2005.

The company mentions in the report that courts dismissed seven more suits related to wrongful deaths from TASER use, but just last month yet another Taser controversy about police use of the guns made the headlines. Despite all that, it seems customers keep coming back for more, and for now, that's what matters to investors.

If the company continues its growth without new controversies to shake it or competition to speak of (competition remained weak so far), the stock should continue to do well as law-enforcement agencies domestically and around the world continue to adopt this nonlethal (or as some would prefer, 'less-lethal') gun. And lest we forget the opportunities in the personal market as well.

 

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]]>tasertaser internationalTaserInternationaltasrMelly Alazraki2007-02-21T15:48:00+00:00